At CHINACOAT 2009 The Perstorp Group unveiled plans to increase its production capacity of aliphatic polyisocyanates. Perstorp will commence implementation of a new production structure in China in 2012. At maturity, this production capacity should reach 12,000 tons per year. At the same time, Perstorp plans to debottleneck existing plants to support growth outside Asia.

Isocyanates are used as hardeners in coatings, elastomers and foam products with major market applications in automotive (OEM & refinish), industrial maintenance, plastic and wood coatings, transportation, aerospace, coil and can coatings, leather finishing and adhesives. They represent a strategically important part of Perstorp’s product portfolio. With an average expected annual growth rate of six percent, aliphatic isocyanates specialty materials represent a highly attractive market.

“Being a reliable supply-partner for our customers means being able to support their needs worldwide. We are wholly committed to strengthening our worldwide manufacturing and channel network to be able to respond to our customer’s needs wherever they are located”, said Martin Lundin, Perstorp president and CEO.

“As one of the world’s leading suppliers of aliphatic isocyanates we need to build on our position in Asia and in China in particular where the market is experiencing fast growth," said Eric Aubay, business unit director HDI and derivates. "To do this we need to boost our production and supply capabilities and we intend to be investing in an expansion program soon.”

In recent years Perstorp has completed a number of key acquisitions, including Rhodia and Lyondell’s isocyanates businesses, Solvay’s caprolactones production in the UK and Lonza’s production of isophtalic acid in Singapore that have enhanced its offer to the polyurethane supply chain. Combined with its pallet of polyols, these latest moves have transformed Perstorp into a key-supplier for the entire polyurethane chain.